Assistant, Finance

Organizational Context

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 192-member National Societies. The overall aim of the IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by National Societies with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.”  The IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises. 

The IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of the IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality. 

The IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters are organized into three main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Operations Coordination; (ii) Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization; and (iii) Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services.

The IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas.  The IFRC also has country cluster delegation and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.

On 6 February 2023, two devastating earthquakes struck Southeast Türkiye, resulting in the deaths of more than 50,000 people and economic losses exceeding USD 100 billion, marking it the most catastrophic disaster the country has faced in a century. In response, the IFRC launched an Emergency Appeal to support the Turkish Red Crescent Society (TRCS) in its relief and recovery efforts, planned through to 2025.

The Turkish Red Crescent Society has played a key role in assisting both refugee and host communities in Türkiye. TRCS swiftly responded to the influx of Syrian and other refugees by deploying staff and volunteers and establishing dedicated structures to provide protection and initial support to those in need. The IFRC continues to aid TRCS in addressing the growing humanitarian needs within Türkiye, stemming from both the Syrian crisis and other concurrent emergencies. 

Additionally, the IFRC supports TRCS in responding to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine by providing financial resources to help address the needs of Ukrainian refugees who have sought safety in Türkiye.

Job Purpose

The Finance Assistant reports and follows the technical direction and guidance of the Finance team leader and provide support to the effective financial reporting, accounting of the IFRC Office in Turkey.

The job of the Finance Assistant is to provide cost-effective day-to-day quality finance services that enhance the work efficiency of the operation Turkey Population Movement Operation International Appeal, IFRC programs implemented by the Turkish Red Crescent Society, in accordance with Federation standard procedures, policies, and regulations. He/she also will contribute to the sound financial management of the funds spent by the operation by observing strict compliance to all Finance and Admin Procedures and to all Finance Audit recommendations.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Accounting;

• Preparing and following the daily payments and accounting.
• Verify correct account codes and correct CODA documents are used for all transactions.
• Controlling account, Project, Activity, Donor codes and descriptions in accounting system.
• Ensuring that all transactions are correctly authorized and fully documented.
• Prepare daily journal of vouchers for both receipts and payments and maintain cash books daily.
• Preparing and following lease registration and accounting.
• Prepare all the supporting documents of Petty cash payment and Cash Received and doing the accounting
• Prepare all the supporting documents of bank payment and bank Received and doing the accounting
• Ensure daily data input into ERP financial system in an accurate, efficient, and timely manner
• Prepare the monthly files in accordance with the deadlines, ensuring the availability of all supporting documents.
• Support Filing, Scanning, Archiving.
• Preparing the allocation documents and booking in the financial system.
• Assist to check all supplier invoices and perform compliance reviews regarding, but not limited to coding and supporting documentation.
• Assist in month-end closing (assist in booking & reconciliation of the prepayments, matching process, balance sheet clearing)
• Checking all the supporting documents of Petty cash payment and Cash Received and doing the accounting.
• Provide general support if needed as directed by the finance team leader.

Risk Management

• Support the Finance team leader to respond to financial audit recommendations or queries.
• Abide to the fraud and corruption policy.

Contribute to building an effective, high-quality Finance and Admin team, by:

• Ensuring excellent collaboration with other Finance and Admin colleagues and other departments.
• Participating in the development of a customer service-oriented culture that values proactivity, continuous improvement, innovation, and high performance

Education

Required: 

• Diploma in Business Administration, Finance and Accountancy

Preferred:

• Comparable mix of experience

Experience

Required:

• Minimum 1 to 2 years’ experience in finance, support, office and/or accounting roles

Preferred:

• Experience in record management
• Experience of working for the Red Cross/ Red Crescent Movement
• Experience of working for a humanitarian aid organization, audit firm.
• Good knowledge of International Accounting Standards

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

Knowledge and Skills 

Required:

• Proficient in MS Office; Microsoft Outlook and Word in particular
• Able to work in a team
• High degree of integrity, discretion, and personal conduct
• Ability to handle sensitive information, solid judgment.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing working conditions
• Willing and able to travel whenever required for work purposes
• Self-motivated and proactive, with good judgment and initiative
• Able to prioritize and meet deadline

Preferred:

• Knowledge of office management systems and procedures
• General knowledge of IFRC system administrative policies, rules, regulations, and procedures in the area of Finance and administration. IFRC standard software packages and systems.

Languages

Required: 

• Fluently spoken and written English and Turkish

Preferred:

• Good command of another IFRC official language (French, Spanish or Arabic)

Competencies, Values and Comments

Core Competencies: Communication, Collaboration and Teamwork, Judgement and Decision Making, National Society and Customer Relations, Creativity, and Innovation, Building Trust

Values: Respect for diversity, Integrity, Professionalism, Accountability